On March 20, 2013, the world celebrated the first International Day of Happiness. Over a decade ago, the United Nations General Assembly aimed to prioritize happiness as much as economic opportunity, making it a “fundamental human goal”¹. Unsurprisingly, its significance continues to grow as the subject of well-being continues to find its way into societal and economic discourse across the globe. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the relationship between happiness levels and global development. Grounded in insights from sources such as The World Happiness Reports and the annual Gallup World Poll, our study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the multidimensional nature of happiness and how interrelated factors contribute to the well-being of countries.

We aim to unearth cultural differences in the perception of happiness, particularly examining if certain cultures, like those in the West, place more emphasis on it. We also intend to explore the impact of major international and domestic events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on people’s happiness, seeking to understand how these occurrences alter individual perceptions and experiences of well-being. A key aspect of our study is to identify which aspects of life impacts a country’s overall happiness the most. By addressing these points, our project aims to contribute significantly to the understanding of happiness, encompassing both cultural and psychological dimensions.